Today’s guest blogger is Sister Julianna Vagnozzi, CSSF, belongs to the Sisters of Saint Felix of Cantalice. The Felician Sisters are part of the Franciscan tradition through the life and charism of Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska.
In exactly 40 minutes and 30 seconds, my annual 6 day retreat will begin.
This past year has been one of (hmmm, what word shall I use?) survival from one event to crisis to health challenge to ministry demands to this, that, and the other thing all blessed year!
When the schedule of community retreats was issued last autumn, I decided that this was the year I would treat myself to a retreat (pun definitely intended!) at a location other than the convent in which I live. Remember, since 2009, the Felician Franciscan Sisters of North America reconfigured from 8 (count ‘em!) provinces into 1. All the former provincial houses have been renamed “central convents.” My home is in New Mexico. Now we are encouraged to go to any of these central convents across the US and also Canada for annual retreat. Since I am both the Liturgist and Kitchen Supervisor at our location, it is impossible to really make a retreat while staying home.
So, while the July retreat was going on in my house, I worked hard in my two departments to see to my sisters’ needs. During that time I could hear the words, “Come away and rest awhile,” in the back of my head luring me away for my time of retreat.
Why retreat? It’s so easy to get lost in being like Martha–busy about many things. A time of retreat allows a person to step back, to let go of that busy-ness that keeps us from noticing the gentle nudges from God.
Why six days? For me, it takes a good day or two to really go deeply into my inner self, and another to really emerge. That leaves three days to listen to the Creator, to dance with the Spouse, to re-stoke the fire of the Spirit which empowers me for whatever the next year will bring.
I pray that I will listen attentively and respond honestly. I promise to hold gently the intentions of whomever reads this entry in my encounters with the Beloved.
I can’t remember ever being so ready and eager to retreat! I am so looking forward to resting in the Lord.
T-25 minutes and 3 seconds, and counting!
Archived Comments
- August 17, 2012 at 3:19 pm
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Sister Julianna, I can definitely relate. I am liturgy coordinator and part-time switchboard operator. I have to leave the Motherhouse in order to truly experience retreat.
- August 18, 2012 at 6:34 pm
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Sister Julianna, this is a wonderful reflection and in it I hear the voice of God inviting me to retreat. Have a blessed time and congratulations!
- August 18, 2012 at 8:35 pm
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Thanks so much for your words, Sister Julianna. Prayers and many blessings for you on retreat (BTW loved the “treat” in retreat reference
- August 20, 2012 at 11:06 am
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Thank God for the wonderful time away! Believe me, I missed my local community, but I knew that being wide open to the Holy Spirit, I would come back to them healthier and holier, “ready for whatever whatever the next year will bring.”
That happened to be two deaths, one of a sister and one of the mother of another sister (She was living with us.) Today we celebrate “Mama” Rose (who was almost 101!), and tomorrow we will celebrate Sr. Angelica (who was a Felician Franciscan for 76 years!) Rejoice with us as we send these two home to our Beloved.
